MECHANICVILLE, NY – The Department of New York American Legion has honored a Mechanicville High School football player and his teammates for their recent demonstration of patriotism that ensured an American Flag was aloft during the presentation of the national anthem.

As the visiting team last month at a Friday night game, Daniel Hayner and his Red Raider varsity teammates realized there was no American Flag visible as players and fans stood for the Star Spangled Banner.

Hayner, a high school senior, rushed to the team’s equipment bag and returned with a flag that he proudly held aloft in the middle of the field for the pregame ceremony.

‘Will Never Turn My Back on Nation’s Colors’

It was always an honor to meet the family, get some insight into the fallen soldier, and then write a eulogy, he told the Oneida County Historical Hall of Fame banquet Oct. 5. It was also an experience of gut-wrenching emotion.